We were lucky to catch up with Shawna Henderson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shawna , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
At times, life might feel overwhelming and everything seems to be working against you. In those moments, it can be extremely difficult to stay optimistic. However, cultivating a sense of inner peace and resilience can help you navigate even the toughest times. One key to maintaining optimism is staying grounded. Taking moments throughout the day to reconnect with the present—whether through mindfulness, deep breathing, or simply pausing to appreciate the small things—can create a sense of calm amidst the chaos. It’s also essential to carve out time for yourself, allowing space to recharge and clear your mind. Personally I love to engage in physical activities out in nature. It is amazing how spending time in nature, helps you reset your perspective.
Exercise is another powerful tool I use to boost mood. Physical activity releases the needed endorphins, which naturally uplift your spirits and help reduce stress. It doesn’t have to be intense; a walk around the block or a yoga session can do wonders for your mental state. Equally important is the ability to let go—acknowledge the things you can’t control and release any emotional baggage that’s weighing you down. Holding onto negativity or dwelling on what’s outside of your control only drains your energy. Remember, happiness comes from within, and though challenges may feel endless in the moment, they are temporary. Trust that whatever you’re going through will pass, and better days are ahead.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Majestic Mountain Events was born out of my desire for both flexibility and the drive to create something of my own. There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from knowing your hard work directly impacts your success. For me, the motivation to take the leap into entrepreneurship came from my love of challenges. I thrive on solving problems and finding the best solutions, and that mindset pushed me to take risks. Like many entrepreneurs, my business started as a side hustle, and it took a few years before I realized it could grow into a full-time career. The biggest hurdle I faced was overcoming the imposter syndrome—the belief that I wasn’t qualified to charge for my services. But the best way to get past that fear was simply by doing. Starting a business is daunting, and taking that first step is the hardest part. I always recommend testing the waters first—seeing if there’s a real need in the market before fully diving in without a safety net.
Now, as a highly successful event planner, coordinator, and provider of event rentals in the stunning mountain areas of Colorado, I specialize in creating unforgettable experiences for my clients. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate meeting, celebration of life, or any of life’s special celebrations, I handle every detail—from the initial planning stages to day-of coordination—ensuring a seamless, stress-free event. I also offer a wide range of event rentals, from elegant décor to functional equipment, all tailored to meet the unique needs of Colorado’s breathtaking landscape. My passion is bringing the client’s vision to life, creating beautiful, memorable moments in, my opinion, one of the most spectacular places on earth.
We continue to launch and expand our rental product line. Currently working on a DIY wedding program that helps couples navigate through the planning process, but do not want to pay for a full wedding planner.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I believe we’ve been programmed in school to follow the path of least resistance. The traditional education system teaches us the skills we need to “get a job,” but not necessarily to create a career or build something of our own. School often trains us to fit into established roles, with little emphasis on entrepreneurial thinking or risk taking. As a result, when we decide to break free from the traditional mold and pursue our own ventures, one of the biggest challenges we face is the fear of not being able to make a living. That fear can be paralyzing, but it’s also something that every entrepreneur has to face. The truth is, success in business is not just about what you know—it’s about developing the right mindset and skills that can help you push through obstacles.
In my own entrepreneurial journey, there were several key skills that made a huge impact. These are the skills I believe are essential for anyone looking to break free from the conventional path and create their own career:
1. Confidence
When you’re starting your own business, you have to have unwavering confidence in yourself and your abilities. You need to trust that you can follow through on projects, deliver excellent service, and meet the needs of your customers. But confidence alone isn’t enough—you also have to be willing to take risks. Entrepreneurship is all about stepping into the unknown, and that means embracing the discomfort of uncertainty. You won’t always have a clear roadmap, but you need to believe in your vision and be willing to take the leap, knowing that even if things don’t go perfectly, you’ll learn and grow along the way.
2. Mindset:
The right mindset is absolutely crucial for success. You can have all the skills in the world, but if you don’t have the mental fortitude to keep going when things get tough, you won’t get very far. A positive mindset is key to pushing through challenges and setbacks. It’s about seeing obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than as roadblocks. When you approach problems with the belief that you can find solutions and that setbacks are just temporary, you open yourself up to a whole new level of success. In entrepreneurship, how you think will often determine how far you go.
3. Tenacity:
Starting a business is rarely a smooth ride. There will inevitably be moments of doubt, unforeseen obstacles, and roadblocks that seem insurmountable. Tenacity is what allows you to keep going when things don’t go according to plan. For instance, if you face a slow start, an unexpected financial setback, or even a pandemic that shuts down all that you’ve worked to create, tenacity keeps you focused on your long-term goals. Instead of giving up or succumbing to frustration, tenacious entrepreneurs view these setbacks as temporary and part of the learning process. They know that success doesn’t come overnight and that persistence is key to overcoming adversity.
It might seem simple, but the only way to gain these skills mentioned is by doing. Make the commitment to yourself that you will work 2-3 hours per day learning from others that have already done what you want to do. Remember, the path may not always be clear, but if you believe in yourself and keep moving forward, you’ll find your way.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill had a profound impact on the development of starting my own business, offering not only timeless principles of success but also practical guidance for overcoming mental and emotional hurdles. The book emphasizes the power of mindset, persistence, and focused action—core elements that have been essential in my entrepreneurial journey. I learned that while you think you might feel “Secure” with having a “real job”, security is only an illusion. Here are some specific ways the book helped shape my approach to business:
CLEAR GOALS
In the early stages of starting my business, I found that having a clear vision for what I wanted to achieve was crucial for keeping me on track. The two key concepts that will make you successful are these: Visualize your success and hold onto that vision every day along with consistently take deliberate action to achieve it. Remember, nothing has to be perfect, just start.
POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE
Adopting a positive mental attitude helped me stay focused on solutions rather than problems. The key to getting over the tough times is realizing that sometimes the challenges might be trying to tell you something and be aware.
KNOWLEDGE
You might not know how to move forward, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn it. A HUGE key to success in starting your own business is the pursuit of knowledge. Hill, reinforced the idea that success doesn’t come from knowing everything; it comes from being willing to learn and adapt.
You can make a living doing what you love you just need to take the first steps!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.majesticmountainevents.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckmtnwedding/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreckMtnWedding/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/75726363/admin/dashboard/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8T8tAmrsbPKbNZOt52nDyA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/majestic-mountain-events-breckenridge-3
Image Credits
Once West Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.